Texas Gangs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TEXAS SECURITY THREAT GROUPS

Aryan Brotherhood of Texas

Aryan Circle

Barrio Azteca

Bloods

Crips

Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos

Mexikanemi/Texas Mexican Mafia

Partido Revolucionario Mexicano

Raza Unida

Texas Chicano Brotherhood

Texas Mafia

Texas Syndicate/Syndicato Tejano

TANGOS/TANGO BLAST GROUPS

Austin Tangos (Capirucha)

Corpus Christi Tangos (Corpitos; Charco)

Dallas Tangos (D-Town)

El Paso Tangos

Fort Worth Tangos (Foritos; Foros)

Houston Tangos (Houstone; H-Town)

Rio Grande Valley Tangos (Valluco)

San Antonio Tangos (San Anto; Orejones)

West Texas Tangos

MAJOR STREET GANGS AND CLIQUES

18th Street Gang

Black Gangster Disciples

Latin Kings

Mandingo Warriors

Mara Salvatrucha

Mexicles

Surenos

Tri-City Bombers

White Knights

Title

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS (ABT)

History The ABT was founded in the early 1980s in TDCJ when a group of white Texas
inmates petitioned the California Aryan Brotherhood for permission to establish a
chapter in Texas. Although the California Aryan Brotherhood refused the request, the
Texas inmates still formed the ABT.

Since its founding, the ABT has made several attempts to change its name or hide
behind the umbrella of a religious organization, such as the Aryan Reich or the
Church of Aryan Christian Heritage. Although the gang experienced severe internal
problems and a high dropout rate shortly after these unsuccessful attempts, ABT still
remains a formidable group in and out of the Texas prison system.

structure The ABT is led by a steering committee comprised of five offenders, each of whom is
responsible for a specific geographic area and maintains control of the group's activity
in and out of the prison system. The steering committee is also responsible for making
all rules and regulations for the organization.

Misc. Although the ABT uses "Aryan Brotherhood" in its name, it is not associated with

prison gangs in other state and federal correctional facilities that use the same name.
It is considered a Texas prison gang and uses the words "of Texas" to distinguish
itself from other similar groups. It should be noted that ABT members are
incarcerated in various state and federal prisons.

Tattoos The ABT insignia or tattoo depicts a shield with a Nordic dagger running through it,
the letters "A" and "B" over the top of the shield, and the words "of Texas" located
under the shield. All members are given the choice to put on the tattoo or not. Many
have chosen to hide or disguise their tattoos in an effort to thwart detection by
correctional and law enforcement agencies.

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Title

ARYAN CIRCLE (AC)

h isto ry The AC was designated as an STG by TDCJ in late 1 999 after the group declared war
on the White Knights prison clique. The group was also engaged in a second conflict
with the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) as a result of attempts by AC to recruit the
same white supremacist offenders as ABT.

structure The AC currently uses a hierarchical structure with a president, vice president, and
three "center ring" leaders. This organization is also broken down into various
branches, districts, and divisions; however, the president, vice president, and three
"center ring" leaders make all rules for the group. The AC is also unique among STGs
because its constitution includes provisions for a women's branch.

Misc. The AC is made up of white offenders who claim that their objective is the
"preservation of the white race" and seeks to accomplish this from inside the prison
system.

Although the AC claims it is not a prison gang, the group's activity in the prison
system mimics that of all other prison gangs regarding violence, intimidation,
extortion, and control of drugs, prostitution, and gambling.

Tattoos The AC tattoo consists of a simple circle containing double lightning bolts and/or the
letters "AC." This tattoo is normally placed in the rib cage area just below the left
nipple. In some cases, this tattoo will be found inside a diamond shape. The
diamond symbolizes that the member is forever an AC member, just as "diamonds are
forever."

Title

BARRIO AZTECA (BA)

History in the mid-1980s, a few offenders from the El Paso, Texas area began to heavily
recruit offenders who were members of El Paso street gangs. As a result of their
efforts, they managed to stop the fighting among the various El Paso street gangs
both in prison and on the streets, and united incarcerated gang members from the El
Paso area. Barrio Azteca (BA), as the group eventually called itself, was validated as
a STG in 1 993 after entering a war with the Texas Syndicate (TS).

Structure Ranks:

Major Captain: Capitan Mayor
Captain: Capitan
Lieutenant: Tirilon
Sergeant: Sargento
Soldier: Soldado

Misc. The intent and purpose of BA are consistent with those of all other STGs — its
members attempt to control their environment through illegal activities, including
drugs, prostitution, extortion, staff intimidation, inmate assaults, and murder.

Tattoos The BA uses various tattoos to identify its members, including the name "Barrio
Azteca," the numbers "2-1" (which represent the numeric values for the letters "B" and
"A"), and the Roman numeral "XXI."

Title

BLOODS (BLD)

History The first known Blood gang, the Compton Pirus, originated on West Piru Street in
Compton, California. They formed to protect one another from the Crips, their
traditional rivals. The gang developed quickly and became very strong. The
recognition they received spread throughout the county, and other Blood gangs
formed. These groups identified with the color red, the school color of Compton's
Centennial High School.

As the violence among these street gangs escalated, law enforcement in California
began cracking down on gang activity. Many members migrated from California to
Texas to expand their drug trade and escape prosecution for crimes committed in
California. Since then, law enforcement agencies have identified Blood sets in
Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and other Texas cities.

structure The Bloods lack the organizational structure of other prison gangs. Each set may
have a separate rank structure and pursue different goals and agendas.

Misc. Within the Texas prison system, the Bloods are known for being one of the groups
that is most likely to assault correctional staff.

Tattoos Blood members can be identified by the insignias adopted by the set to which they
belong and by their affinity for the color red. Members may also use the five-pointed
star, which is known as the "Blood Star" and represents the Blood Nation. The letters
at the points of the star represent the five families that comprise the Blood Nation:
Bloods, Brims, Bishops, Vice Lords, and Pirus.

— .

Title

CRIPS (CRP)

History Despite the lack of agreement on the origins of the Crip name, the consensus is that
the Crips gang began in West Los Angeles, California. One story purports that the
name was derived from a street gang called the "Cribs," which was believed to be an
offshoot of the "Slausons," at one time the largest black street gang in south central
Los Angeles.

Crips gang activity first started on high school campuses. The Crips preyed on non-
gang members by extorting money and committing assaults and robberies on or near
school campuses. The Crips quickly earned a reputation as the strongest force in the
world of black street gangs. Other gangs then began to incorporate the "Crip" name
into their own names, thus becoming Crip sets. The "Main Street" became the "Main
Street Crips," with many others following suit: the Kitchen Crips, Five Deuce Crips,
and Rollin' 20 Crips. Although these gangs adopted the Crip name, they remained
independent and maintained their own individual leaders and membership. Members
identified with the color blue, the school color of Washington High School in Los
Angeles.

As the violence among these street gangs escalated, law enforcement in California
began cracking down on gang activity. Crip members left California to escape
prosecution and expand their lucrative drug operation. Since then, law enforcement
agencies have identified Crip sets in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and other
Texas cities.

structure The Crips lack the organizational structure of other prison gangs. Each set may have
a separate rank structure and pursue different goals and agendas.

Misc. Within the Texas prison system, the Crips are known for being one of the groups that
is most likely to assault correctional staff.

Tattoos Crip tattoos are specific to the members' local sets, and may include references to a
zip code or a particular street.

Title HERMANDAD DE PISTOLEROS LATINOS (HPL)

History The HPL was formed by inmates of Latino origin in TDCJ in the mid-1980s.

In the early 1990s, internal problems in the group precipitated the development of two
factions: the 16/1 2s and the 45s. These factions adhered to the same rules and
constitution and have since worked out their differences. They are currently united
under one name, the HPL. Translated from the Spanish, "Hermandad de Pistoleros
Latinos" means "Brotherhood of Latin Gunmen."

The HPL hierarchy is structured along military lines, with three ranking leaders known
as "Llaveros."

Structure

Misc.

Tattoos

Ranks:

General

Captain

Lieutenant

Sergeant

Soldier

The executive rules of the HPL state that "Pistoleros shall be of any Latin origin;
Chicanos, Mexicanos, Puerto Ricans, Venezuelanos, and all persons that speak
Latino or are descendants of Latin families." Law enforcement has also identified
females as HPL members, which is unique among Hispanic prison gangs that
traditionally have not allowed women to gain membership into their organizations.

The HPL tattoo consists of the letters "HPL," sometimes with the "H" and "L"
combined with the head of a parrot. Some tattoos incorporate the numbers "16" and
"12," which represent the letters "P" and "L;" or the number "45," which represents the
caliber of a .45 handgun. In addition, a tattoo of a .45-caliber handgun is commonly
placed in an area where a gun is normally found on or carried by a person.

Title

MEXIKANEMI/TEXAS MEXICAN MAFIA (EME)

History The EME is a predominantly Hispanic prison gang that originated in TDCJ's Retrieve
Unit in the early 1980s and rapidly spread throughout the system. Initially, this STG
attempted to masquerade as a cultural awareness group and not a criminal
organization. It should be noted, however, that its constitution states in part: "In being
a criminal organization we will function in any aspect of criminal interest for the benefit
of advancement of Mexikanemi. We will traffic in drugs, contracts of assassination,
prostitution, robbery of high magnitude and in anything we can imagine."

structure The EME operates under a hierarchical system in which the founder of the
organization is considered the absolute leader. Each member must also abide by an
extensive set of rules.

Ranks:

Misc.

President

Vice-President

General

Assistant General

Captain of Captains

Captains

Lieutenant of Lieutenants

Lieutenant

Sergeant

Soldier

Prospect

The EME is extremely influential on the streets, committing crimes such as kidnapping,
extortion, narcotics trafficking, and murder. Also known as the Mexican Mafia, La Erne,
and the Texas Mexican Mafia, this group is not to be confused with other prison gangs
with the same name found in other state and federal correctional institutions.

Tattoos The EME tattoo consists of a burning sun and/or Aztec warrior shield with two crossed
daggers, sometimes with eagle heads on the dagger handles. Within the sun or shield
will be the Mexican national emblem: an eagle with a snake in its beak on top of a
cactus plant. Other common tattoos include the Aztec double-headed serpent in the
shape of the letter "M," a Mexican mountain range, and/or Aztec pyramids.

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Title

PARTIDO REVOLUCIONARIO MEXICANO (PRM)

History The PRM was founded in 1987-1988 in TDCJ's Coffield Unit by six inmates who
wanted to protect themselves from other offenders and prison groups. Until 1994, the
PRM was comprised of only Mexican nationals and individuals of Mexican descent.
After 1994, recruitment was opened to individuals of Latin descent from Central and
South America. In July 2005, TDCJ formally identified the PRM as an STG.

structure Intelligence indicates that the rank structure is paramilitary, with its leadership
originally consisting of five generals.

Misc. Members of the PRM identify themselves as "Borrachos."

Tattoos The PRM tattoo often incorporates the letters "PRM" and/or the emblem on the
Mexican flag (i.e., eagle, snake, cactus, and half wreath). The words "Estados
Unidos Mexicanos" may be added above the eagle. The number "6" is a code number
used to identify membership (Note: There are six letters in the word "Mexico" and
"Mezcal") and the tattoo "P31" is also used ("R" is the 18th letter of the alphabet and
"M" is the 13th letter; thus "P" + 18 + 13 = P31). In addition, since the group has used
the word "borracho" (Spanish for "drunk") to denote membership, some members may
bear a tattoo of a Mexican male sitting on the ground, wearing a sombrero tilted
forward, with a bottle of Mezcal or Tequila in his hand or beside him.

Title

RAZA UNIDA (RU)

History The RU was founded in the late 1980s by Hispanic offenders from Dallas,

Houston, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley area who had been
victimized by the Mexikanemi (EME). Their numbers grew rapidly as they
evolved from a protection group to a predator group.

structure The RU currently uses a five-ranking-member panel that oversees five

regions within the state of Texas.

Misc. The RU is involved in all types of illegal activities, ranging from drug trafficking

and extortion to assaults and murder.

Tattoos The RU tattoo consists of the Mexican and American flags (in some cases,

the Texas flag will replace the American flag) with an eagle in the center and
a ribbon banner containing the words "Raza Unida," which signifies the unity
of Mexican and Mexican-American. The letters "RU" may also be
incorporated into tattoos.

Title

TEXAS CHICANO BROTHERHOOD (TXCB)

History The TXCB was formed in 1989 by several Tri-City Bomber street gang

members who wanted to establish themselves as a prison gang. The group
was officially recognized by TDCJ as an STG in early 1998. The TXCB
eventually became bitter rivals with the Tri-City Bombers.

structure The group's rank structure consists of three 5-star generals and three 4-star

generals.

Misc. The majority of TXCB membership and activity is relegated to the Rio Grande

Valley.

Tattoos The TXCB tattoo consists of the letters "TCB" and a star found within the

letters. This should not be mistaken for the Tri-City Bomber tattoo, which also
consists of the letters "TCB," but with an image of a round fused bomb found
within the letters.

Title

TEXAS MAFIA (TM)

History The TM was founded in TDCJ in the early 1980s. Unlike most STGs, the TM did not
begin as a clique or a protection group before evolving into a prison gang. Instead,
the TM identified itself as a criminal organization from the beginning. The group has
maintained extremely close ties to the Texas Syndicate (TS).

structure The TM's rank structure is loosely organized, but may consist of two ranking
members who oversee the group's activities statewide.

Misc. The TM is predominantly comprised of white inmates.

Tattoos The TM tattoo consists of the letters "TM" with one or all of the bottom tips of the
letters shaped like devil's tails and/or arrowheads.

15

Title

TEXAS SYNDICATE (ESE TE: TS)

History The TS originated in the California prison system in the early 1970s, primarily to protect
the small number of native Texan Mexican-American inmates from existing prison
gangs. These Texas offenders banded together for protection and soon grew in
sufficient numbers to be formerly recognized in California as a prison gang. According
to California officials, the TS quickly became the group "most feared by all offenders in
the California prison system, even prior to them becoming organized, due to their fierce
loyalty to one another and their swift and absolute retaliation without any regard for their
own safety or consequence." Predictably, a large number of TS members who were
released from their custodial commitments in California returned to Texas and
continued their criminal activities. The TS surfaced in the Texas prison system in the
late 1970s.

structure The TS operates under a paramilitary rank structure in which the oldest, most
experienced member serves as the organization's "Sillon" or chairman in the unit or
area. Lieutenants and sergeants are selected by the Sillon and are assigned
responsibilities as needed. The TS does not have one direct person in charge of the
organization but operates in cells throughout Texas.

Misc - Illegal activity includes, but is not limited to, drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution,
assault, and murder.

Members of the TS are also known to exist in several state and federal correctional
systems across the country. The TS has two additional factions: the Texas Syndicate
United (TSU) and Texas Syndicate Originals (TSO).

Tattoos The TS has a specific tattoo consisting of a large "T" superimposed over an "S." The
term "Cuerno(s)" is the Spanish word for "horn(s)" and is an identifier or indicator of
possible TS membership. Although many members will tattoo themselves with horns
to signify their membership in the TS, not all offenders who have the horns are
affiliated with this STG.

Ti,le AUSTIN TANGOS (ATX: LA CAPIRUCHA)

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Ti,le CORPUS CHRISTI TANGOS (CORPITOS; CHARCO)

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Ti,le DALLAS TANGOS (D-TOWN)

Title

EL PASO TANGOS (EPT)

Ti,le FORT WORTH TANGOS (FORITOS: FOROS)

Ti,le HOUSTON TANGOS (HOUSTONE; H-TOWN)

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Ti,le RIO GRANDE VALLEY TANGOS (VALLUCO)

Title

SAN ANTONIO TANGOS (SAN ANTO: OREJONES)

—

Ti,le WEST TEXAS TANGOS (WTX)

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Title

5th

18 in Street Gang

M isc.

The 18 th Street Gang was formed in California in the late 1960s and consists mainly of
illegal aliens from El Salvador as well as from Mexico and other countries in Central
America. The gang is not exclusively Hispanic, however, and may include members of
all races and ethnicities, and may include both male and female members. Tattoos
worn by 18 th Street gang members will normally incorporate some variation of the
number 18, including "18", "XVIII," or "XV3."

7

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Title

BLACK GANGSTER DISCIPLES (BGD)

Misc. The BGD originated in the Midwest and has historically aligned with Folk Nation.
Members of the BGD may use various tattoos, including the letters "BGD," six-pointed
stars, pitchforks raised upward, and a heart with wings.

1

Title

LATIN KINGS (LK)

Misc. The LK, or Almighty Latin King Nation (ALKN), originated in Chicago, Illinois. The
gang's influence, however, has spread throughout the country. Although various
groups may share the "Latin King" name, not all are direct offshoots of or affiliated with
the Chicago-based gang. The LK has historically aligned with the People Nation.
Members of the LK may use a variety of tattoos, including the letters "LK" or "ALKN," a
three- or five-pointed crown, the image of a "crown master," or the words "Amor de Rey"
(Spanish for "Love of the King"). Members may also incorporate symbols common to
other People Nation gangs, such as pitchforks pointed downward.

Title

MANDINGO WARRIORS (MW)

M 'sc. The MW was formed in 1984 by a group of black offenders in order to protect
themselves from members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), the Texas Mafia
(TM), and the Texas Syndicate (TS). The gang's hierarchy consists of a Commander in
Chief, General, Administer of Defense, Administer of Information, and Administer of
Law, who make up "the Committee." The Committee appoints Knights and has the
power to remove rank. Other officers include Administer of Finance, Captain, Sergeant,
and 1st Corporal. Members of MW refer to themselves as "Demo," which means "Sun."
Their colors are red, black, and green.

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Title

MARA SALVATRUCHA (MS-13)

Misc. The MS-13 was originally formed in the late-1980s in Los Angeles, California, by El
Salvadoran refugees who emigrated to the US to escape civil war and unrest in their
country. Many of these refugees settled in Washington, DC, and the Rampart area of
Los Angeles. They formed MS-13 to protect themselves from and challenge other
already-established Hispanic gangs. Members of MS-13 use a variety of tattoos,
including "MS," "MS-1 3," "Mara Salvatrucha," or "Salvatrucha." Members may also use
tattoos that incorporate the names of their individual cliques or the image of a hand
forming the devil's pitchfork.

Title

MEXICLES

M 'sc. The Mexicles was formed in the Texas prison system by a group of Mexican nationals
and immigrants who banded together to protect themselves from being recruited or
assaulted by other STGs. Although members of this gang may be tattooed with the
word "Mexicle" or "Mexicles," the term is not used exclusively by them. The word
"Mexicle" is a term used to describe a Mexican citizen and thus is sometimes found in
tattoos worn by members of other gangs, such as the Partido Revolucionario
Mexicano (PRM).

Title

SURENOS

Misc. The term "Surenos" was first used in the 1970s as a result of a California prison war
between the California Mexican Mafia (La EME) and Nuestra Familia (NF). This war
resulted in a territorial division between gang members from northern California
(Nortenos = northerners) who were aligned with NF, and those from southern
California (Surenos = southerners) who were aligned with La EME. Surenos have a
more significant presence in Texas than Nortenos, but both groups may be
encountered here. Surenos identify with the color blue and the number 13, which
represents the 13 th letter of the alphabet ("M") and signifies the group's association
with La EME. Surenos tattoos will vary but will usually contain some kind of
association with the word "Sureno" and possibly the number 13. Note: Although
many street gangs in Texas may use the "Surenos" name, not all of them are affiliated
with the California-based group.

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TRI-CITY BOMBERS (TRICB)

Misc. The TRICB, also known as Bombitas, is a street gang that is primarily composed of
Hispanic males. They originated in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley, primarily in
an area known as the Tri-Cities (Pharr, San Juan, and Alamo). The TRICB gang is a
bitter rival of the STG known as the Texas Chicano Brotherhood (TXCB), which was
founded in 1989 by former members of TRICB. A common TRICB tattoo includes the
letters "TCB" with an image of a round fused bomb.

Title

WHITE KNIGHTS (WK)

Misc. The WK is a white supremacist group that was formed in the Texas prison system in
May 1991. The gang is known to be active in the free world as well. The gang's
hierarchy is composed of five ranking elders who are known as "the Wheel."
Members of the Wheel coordinate the decision-making process on behalf of the
organization. The gang's motto is "Sworn to Protect, Never to Neglect" and its official
colors are red, white, and black. The WK tattoos include the image of a knight in
armor and other symbols common to white supremacist groups, such as swastikas
and double lightning bolts.

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